Oral Hygiene Implements

ABSTRACT

Oral hygiene implements, such as manual or electric toothbrushes or refills, include a head portion sized for insertion into a human mouth that includes a base and a plurality of elastomeric elements extending from the base to define a field of elastomeric bristles. The field can include a first elastomeric element that includes a first elastomeric material and a second elastomeric element different than the first elastomeric element that includes a second elastomeric material. The elastomeric elements extending from the base can define many “sharp,” yet compliant edges, such as those having a tip radius of less than about 0.006 inch, for enhanced cleaning with reduced abrasion.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.60/928,012, filed May 7, 2007, and entitled “ORAL HYGIENE IMPLEMENTS”,the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to oral hygiene implements that includeelastomeric elements.

BACKGROUND

Most humans suffer or have suffered from tooth decay and/or gingivitiscaused by bacteria in the mouth. As a result, decreasing the amount ofbacterial plaque in the mouth has long been a target of persons workingin the oral care field. A common way of minimizing the plaque in themouth is to brush and floss the teeth regularly. Mouthrinses are oftenused to augment flossing and brushing.

The benefits of frequent brushing can be accompanied by, in someinstances, deleterious side effects, such as irritation, soft and hardtissue abrasion and even recession of the gums. In part, these sideeffects result from an excessive force applied by the user to their gumsvia their toothbrush.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to oral hygiene implements that includeelastomeric elements and to methods of making the same.

The oral hygiene implements described herein can include manyelastomeric elements that include a large number of “sharp” edges (edgeshaving a small tip radius) formed of a compliant elastomeric materialfor enhanced cleaning with reduced irritation and/or abrasion. Theimplements can include several-to-many different shaped elastomericelements, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even tenor more different shaped elements. Each element can be formed of thesame material or each element can be formed of a different material suchthat the entire field of elements includes several-to-many differentmaterials, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even tenor more different materials. The many different textures that areprovided by such a construction can provide a feeling that can bereminiscent of more traditional bristled implements, allowing for thenew implements to be readily accepted into a consumer's routine.

In one aspect, the disclosure features oral hygiene implements, such astoothbrushes or toothbrush refills, that include a head portion sizedfor insertion into a human mouth. The head portion includes a base and aplurality of elastomeric elements extending from the base that eachdefine one or more edges. A total number of edges defined by theplurality of elastomeric elements having a tip radius of less than about0.006 inch is greater than about 250.

In another aspect, the disclosure features oral hygiene implements thatinclude a head portion sized for insertion into a human mouth thatincludes a base and a plurality of elastomeric elements extending fromthe base that define a field of elastomeric elements. The field includesa first elastomeric element that includes a first elastomeric materialand a second elastomeric element different than the first elastomericelement and including a second elastomeric material. Optionally, thetotal number of edges defined by the plurality of elastomeric elementshaving a tip radius of less than about 0.006 inch is greater than about250.

In another aspect, the disclosure features oral hygiene implements thatinclude a head portion sized for insertion into a human mouth. The headportion includes a base and a plurality of elastomeric elementsextending from the base defining a field of elastomeric elements. Thefield includes a first elastomeric element including a first elastomericmaterial and a second elastomeric material surrounding the firstelastomeric material. For example, second elastomeric material, whichcan be a relatively soft elastomeric material, can completely surroundthe first elastomeric material, which can be a harder elastomericmaterial.

In another aspect, the disclosure features oral hygiene implements thatinclude a head portion sized for insertion into a human mouth. The headportion includes a base and a plurality of elastomeric elementsextending from the base defining a field of elastomeric elements. Thefield includes a first elastomeric element that includes a firstelastomeric material and a second elastomeric element that includes asecond elastomeric material. The first elastomeric element has a firstcoefficient of friction and the second elastomeric element has a secondcoefficient of friction different than the first coefficient offriction. For example, the first elastomeric element can have a lowerwet coefficient of friction, as measured using human saliva and anatomic force microscope, than the second elastomeric element. A lowercoefficient of friction can be advantageous for sliding between teeth,which the higher coefficient of friction can be advantageous forscrubbing the teeth.

In some implementations, the total number of edges is greater than about300, such as greater than about 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000,1250, 1500, or even more, such as greater than about 2000 or 3000. Sharpedges can enhance the cleaning ability of the implements, but since theedges are formed of an elastomeric material, they are also generallygentle on tissues.

In some implementations, e.g., to maximize the exposure of the edges, anintra- and/or inter-element spacing of an edge to its nearest neighboris from about 0.010 inch or more, such as greater than 0.015 inch, 0.020inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030 inch, 0.040 inch, or 0.050 inch or more, such asgreater than about 0.060 inch, 0.075 inch, 0.085 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.125inch, 0.150 inch, 0.175 inch, or even greater than 0.20 inch.

In some embodiments, one or more elastomeric elements have a long axisrunning in a direction of extension, and the edges are defined along thedirection of extension. In other embodiments, one or more elastomericelements have a long axis running in a direction of extension, and theedges are defined in a direction perpendicular to extension. In stillother embodiments, edges are defined along and perpendicular to the longaxis running in the direction of extension.

Generally, the elastomeric elements are configured to maximize cleaningand/or gum massaging, while minimizing trauma to the oral cavity.

The plurality of elastomeric elements can include, e.g., one, two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or even ten differentelastomeric elements, e.g., that differ in shape, size, length/height,and/or material.

For example, in some implementations, all the elements can have the sameshape, but can each be formed of a different material and/or a differentmaterial hardness.

In some implementations, the plurality of elastomeric elements caninclude, e.g., a first elastomeric element that includes a firstelastomeric material and a second elastomeric element that includes asecond elastomeric material. The plurality of elastomeric elements can,e.g., further include a third elastomeric element that includes a thirdelastomeric material, a fourth elastomeric element that includes afourth elastomeric material, a fifth elastomeric element that includes afifth elastomeric material or even a sixth elastomeric element thatincludes a sixth elastomeric material.

Any one or more of the elastomeric elements described herein can have,e.g., a Shore A hardness of about 8 Shore A to about 95 Shore A, such asbetween about 35 Shore A to about 92 Shore A.

Any elastomeric element described herein can be formed of athermoplastic or a crosslinked material (a thermoset material). Forexample, the elastomer can be one or more styrenic copolymers,thermoplastic polyurethanes, silicones, polyether-amides,polyether-polyesters, or mixtures of these and other elastomers.

Any elastomeric material described herein can include one or morefillers. For example, the filler can be or can include oil, e.g.,mineral oils, abrasives, tackifiers, plasticizers or mixtures of theseand even others.

For example, any elastomeric element can have a first maximum transversecross-sectional thickness of between about 0.003 inch and about 0.250inch, such as between about 0.010 inch and about 0.10 inch. In someimplementations, elements also include a second maximum transversedimension perpendicular to the first dimension of between about 0.003inch and about 0.10 inch.

The elements are not limited in shape. For example, any element can bein the form of a ring, a projection, a fin, a ladder, a cup, or acurtain.

For example, any elastomeric element can have a transverse cross-section(taken perpendicular to the direction of extension) that is generally orsubstantially circular, triangular, rectangular, square or sinusoidal inform.

Any oral implement described herein can also further include one or morebristles, such as bristles arranged in one or more turfs, extending fromthe base.

Any oral implement described herein can be in the form of a manual orpower toothbrush. For example, in some advantageous implementations, theimplement is a power product in which the head portion and/or baseportion is configured to be vibrated and/or oscillated, such as by anelectrically driven motor in communication with the head portion and/orbase portion.

As used herein, “an edge” is a line at which two surface intersect, or aborder at which a surface terminates.

As used herein, “an elastomer” is a material that has an elongation atbreak or greater than about fifty percent and a Shore A hardness of lessthan about 97.

Aspects and/or implementations may have any one or more of the followingadvantages. The oral hygiene implements described herein can includeelastomeric elements that include a large number of “sharp” edges (edgeshaving a small tip radius) formed of a compliant material for enhancedcleaning with reduced abrasion. The edges can be defined on tips andalong the elastomeric element, providing a cleaning structure thatcleans at its tips and along its sides. The implements can includeseveral different shaped elastomeric elements, e.g., two, three, four,five, six, seven, eight, or even ten or more different shaped elements,that are optionally formed of several different materials, e.g., one,two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even ten or more differentmaterials. Such a construction can provide many different textures in auser's mouth. The many different textures provided can be reminiscent ofmore traditional bristled implements, allowing for the novel implementsto be readily accepted into a consumer's routine. The geometry andtexture of each element can be optimized for location in a brushingfield, which can lead to enhanced massaging and/or cleaning. The oralhygiene implements can work synergistically with cleaning and polishingmaterials, such as toothpastes, for enhanced polishing and cleaning. Forexample, an elastomeric element in the shape of a cup can enhancepolishing and/or whitening by holding the abrasives to tooth surfaces.The implements described herein can have only elastomeric elements,which can be relatively easily molded, e.g., cast or injection molded,or extruded. Due to their compliant nature, elastomeric elements tend toself-regulate stresses applied to cleaning sites, which can minimizedamage from excessive brushing forces, e.g., that can lead to gumrecession. When the oral hygiene implements, e.g., toothbrushes, includeonly elastomeric elements in their head, they can provide comparable (oreven better) plaque removal in comparison to a fully bristled brush, butwith enhanced gum massaging, and less soft and hard tissue abrasion.

The details of several embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of thedisclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a brush refill.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged perspective view of the head portion of therefill of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an enlarged side view of the head portion of the refill ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the field of elongatedprojections having circular transverse cross-sections shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the ring structure shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the field of elongatedprojections having triangular transverse cross-sections shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the field of curtains shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged perspective view of the ladder fin shown in FIG.1A, while FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating attachment of theladder fin to the head of the refill of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative head.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative head.

FIG. 9 is perspective view of a prophy cup elastomeric element.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rocking, elastomeric textured finelement.

FIG. 11 is a photograph taken from the top of a brush head utilizing theelements of FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another brush head utilizing theelements of FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a elastomeric curtain element,illustrating its slicing to form a slit curtain element.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a brush head including the splitcurtain element of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative fin/tube element.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative elastomeric element.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a dual-material elastomericelement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Oral hygiene implements, such as toothbrushes, are described thatinclude many elastomeric elements. The implements can include a largenumber of “sharp” edges formed of compliant elastomeric materials forenhanced cleaning with reduced abrasion. The implements can provide manydifferent textures in a user's mouth and can be reminiscent of the moretraditional bristled implements, allowing for the novel implements to bereadily accepted into a consumer's daily routine.

By way of example, and by reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a refill 10 for apower toothbrush, such as one driven by electrical energy, includes ahead portion 12 sized for insertion into a human mouth that includes abase 14 and a plurality of elastomeric elements extending from the baseto define a field of elastomeric elements. The entire refill itselfand/or the head portion 12 can be configured to be oscillated, e.g.,rotationally oscillated, and/or vibrated, to provide powerful cleaningand/or massaging action to a user's oral cavity. In the particularimplementation shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the field of elastomeric elementsincludes (1) a portion 11 that includes a plurality of first elastomericelements 16 in the form of rod-like projections that are eachsubstantially circular in transverse cross-section and taper along theirlength to their respective terminal end 18; (2) a second elastomericelement 20 in the form of a concentric ring; (3) two portions 21 and 23that each include a plurality of third elastomeric elements 22 in theform of projections that are each substantially triangular in transversecross-section; (4) two portions 25 and 26 that each include a pluralityof fourth elastomeric elements 24 in the form of curtains or sinuouswalls; and (5) four portions 27, 29, 31 and 33 that each include a fifthelastomeric element (in this case each portion includes three elements)in the form of fins 30 that have a ladder-like appearance and texturealong a length of their sides.

FIGS. 2-6 show the elastomeric elements of refill 10 in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 2, portion 11 (shown disassembled from refill 10)includes a base portion 31 from which the projections extend 16 extend.The base portion can be formed of the same material as the projections(or not) and can be solid. If more compliance is desired, especiallyvertically in the direction of a user's teeth, the base can be hollow toprovide a more flexible base. Generally, projections 16 are configuredto present numerous “sharp” edges 32 to the surface of the teeth toovercome the adhesion of plaque to the surface of the teeth. Whileprojections 16 are shown in FIG. 2 as having a substantially circulartransverse cross-section, they can be formed in a variety ofcross-sections, such triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal oroctagonal.

Referring to FIG. 3, concentric elastomeric ring 20 presents only twoedges 34 and 34′ to the teeth and gums, and so is generally not asefficient of a plaque removing element (when compared to element 16),especially in harder to reach places, such as between the teeth.Nevertheless, ring 20 provides sound structural support and stability toother elements in the brush head, and provides good buccal surfacecleaning, as well as a powerful massaging effect. In addition,elastomeric element 20 can work synergistically with tooth cleaningformulations, such as tooth powders and pastes, by acting to hold orcontain various formulations against tooth surfaces. This action canimprove the polishing and/or whitening effect of a particularformulation.

Referring to FIG. 4, portion 21 (shown disassembled from refill 10)includes a base portion 38 from which the elastomeric projections extend22. The base portion can be formed of the same material as theprojections (or not) and can be solid (if desired). If more complianceis desired, especially vertically in the direction of a user's teeth,the base can be hollow to provide a more flexible base. Generally,projections 22 (much like projections 16) are configured to presentnumerous “sharp” edges, such as edges 36, 36′ and 36″, to the surface ofthe teeth to overcome the adhesion of plaque to the surface of theteeth.

Referring to FIG. 5, portion 26 (shown disassembled from refill 10)includes a base portion 42 from which the elastomeric projections extend24. The base portion can be formed of the same material (or not) as theprojections and can be solid (if desired). If more compliance isdesired, especially vertically in the direction of a user's teeth, thebase can be hollow to provide a more flexible base. Generally,projections 24 (much like projections 16 and 22) are configured topresent numerous “sharp” edges, such edges 50, 50′ and 50″, to thesurface of the teeth to overcome the adhesion of plaque to the surfaceof the teeth.

Referring to FIG. 6A, elastomeric element 30 (shown disassembled fromrefill 10) are configured to present numerous “sharp” edges, such edges52 defined at terminal ends of each element 30 and edges 53-57 definedby wedge-shaped features along sides 58 and 60 of element 30, to thesurface of the teeth to overcome the adhesion of plaque to the surfaceof the teeth. Elastomeric fin elements 30 serve at least two functions.First, they provide excellent cleaning power with their numerous “sharp”edges. Secondly, they provide interdental registration for both cleaningand sensory cues.

More generally now, the shapes utilized, the total number of “sharp”edges, the material used to form each element, the hardness of theelastomer used to form each element, the length of extension from thebase of each element, and the dimensions the elastomeric elements arechosen to maximize cleaning and massaging action of the oral hygieneimplement, while minimizing trauma to tissues of the mouth, such as thesoft tissue on the gums.

Not only can each elastomeric element have a unique three-dimensionalshape, but each element can be formed of a different elastomericmaterial. For example, each elastomeric element can be formed from athermoplastic elastomer or crosslinked elastomer.

Examples of elastomers include styrenic block copolymers, e.g.,styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS),styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyurethanes, e.g., polyether orpolyester-based polyurethanes, such as those available under thetradename PELLETHANE®, silicones, polyether amides, such as thoseavailable under the tradename PEBAX®, polyether polyesters, such asthose available under the tradename HYTREL®, or mixtures of any of theseor other elastomers. In some implementations, elastomers can be blendedwith various thermoplastics that are considered to be non-elastomers toprovide an elastomeric blend. For example, polypropylene can be mixedwith styrenic elastomers, such as SEBS, to provide an elastomeric blend.

For example, the elastomeric material used to form the elastomericelements described herein can have a Shore A hardness of from about 6Shore A to about 95 Shore A, e.g., from about 10 Shore A to about 93Shore A, or from about 35 Shore A to about 92 Shore A. In someimplementations, the elastomeric material used to form the elements hasa Shore A hardness of less than about 95, e.g., less than 85, 75, 65,55, 45, 35, 25, 15, or even less than 10 Shore A.

Any elastomeric material used to form the elastomeric elements can befilled with one or more fillers. Examples of fillers include oils, e.g.,mineral oil, abrasives, e.g., alumina, silica or kaolin, tackifiers,e.g., rosins, plasticizers or mixtures of any of these fillers orothers.

While the refill head of FIG. 1A includes five differentthree-dimensional shapes of elastomeric elements, many otherconfigurations are possible. For example, and more generally, oralhygiene implements, such as toothbrushes (manual or electric) orrefills, can include several-to-many different shaped elastomericelements, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even tenor more different three-dimensionally shaped elements. If desired, eachelastomeric element can be made of the same or a different material. Insome implementations, each elastomeric element is formed of a differentmaterial. In some implementations, the elastomeric elements in a fieldof elastomeric elements may be formed of several different materials,e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even ten or moredifferent materials. The combination of the different shapes andmaterials can, e.g., provide many different textures in a user's mouththat can be reminiscent of more traditional bristled implements,allowing for the novel implements to be readily accepted into aconsumer's daily routine.

Generally, the elastomeric elements in a field of elastomeric elementsin an oral hygiene implement define a total of more than 250 edges thathave a tip radius of less than about 0.006 inch. The number of “sharp”edges can be determined by using an optical comparator and manuallycounting the number of edges meeting this condition, or, alternatively,the number of edges can be determined by taking photographs and using animage analysis software, such as OPTIMAS, to count the number of edgesmeeting this condition. In still another procedure, the implement can bescanned in three dimensions to create a three-dimensional database, andthen the database, e.g., an IGES file, can be analyzed for edges meetingthis condition. In some implementations, there are many more totaledges. For example, the total number of edges can be greater than about300, such as greater than about 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000,1250, 1500, or even more, such as greater than about 2000 or 3000.Generally, elastomeric edges have a lower plaque removing efficacy whencompared on a one-to-one basis to relatively hard plastic bristle edges(bristle tips) because of the compliant nature of the elastomeric edges.Nevertheless, the oral hygiene implements fashioned from elastomericelements, as described herein, generally are as effective or moreeffective than hard-bristled toothbrushes because of the number ofcleaning edges, especially spaced-apart cleaning edges, and because,unlike hard-bristle edges, the elastomeric elements can clean from theirsides as well as from their tips.

In some implementations, the one or more edges are substantially exposedso that they may contact a surface of the oral cavity. One way tocontrol exposure of the edges is to control intra- or inter-element edgespacing. In some embodiments, the edges can have an intra- and/orinter-element spacing to its nearest neighbor of about 0.010 inch ormore, such as greater than 0.015 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.030inch, 0.040 inch, or 0.050 inch or more, such as greater than about0.060 inch, 0.075 inch, 0.085 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.125 inch, 0.150 inch,0.175 inch, or even greater than 0.20 inch.

One way to control the aggressiveness of the elements is to controltheir transverse cross-section. In some implementations, any elastomericelement described herein can have a first maximum transversecross-sectional thickness of between about 0.003 inch and about 0.250inch, such as between about 0.010 inch and about 0.10 inch. In someimplementations, the elastomeric elements also have a second maximumtransverse dimension perpendicular to the first direction of about 0.003inch and about 0.250 inch, such as between about 0.010 inch and about0.10 inch.

One way to control the flexibility, and thus aggressiveness of theelements is to control their maximum length of extension from a topsurface of the base from which they extend. For example, the maximumlength of extension can be from about 0.20 inch to about 0.75 inch, suchas between about 0.250 inch and about 0.50 inch.

Referring back now to FIGS. 1A-1C, in the particular embodiment shown,the number of edges having tip radii of less than 0.006 inch is about756, while the surface area of the ends of the elements is approximately5-15 times that of a bristled head having roughly the same nominal basearea. Each element of the refill 10 is formed of an oil-filled SEBS, athermoplastic polyether-polyurethane or a silicone. The hardness of theelastomer of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth elements, 16,20, 22, 24 and 30 is 65 Shore A, 50 Shore A, 90 Shore A, 40 Shore A and82 Shore A, respectively. Referring particularly to FIG. 1C, first,second, third, fourth and fifth elements, 16, 20, 22, 24 and 30 extendfrom a top surface 14′ of base 14 a distance of 9.250 inch, 0.249 inch(H₂), 0.281 inch (H₃), 0.236 inch (H₄) and 0.288 (H₅), respectively.

Referring back now to FIGS. 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the diameterof the circles or inscribed circles of elements 16 or 22 can be as largeas 0.020 inch, 0.030 inch or even 0.040 inch. In some implementations,the diameter is 0.020 inch or less. In some embodiments, acenter-to-center spacing between elements ranges from about 0.025 inchto about 0.040 inch. In some embodiments, edge radii are maintained atless than 0.003 inch to maximize cleaning, while material hardness ismaintained between about 40 Shore A and about 90 Shore A to maintaingentleness. In some implementations, elements 16 or 22 extend from asupport structure that is solid or hollow.

Referring back now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, ring element 20 has awall thickness of from about 0.015 inch to about 0.050 inch, e.g., fromabout 0.020 inch to about 0.040 inch. In some implementations, thehardness of the material used to form element 20 is from about 15 ShoreA to about 60 Shore A. In some embodiments, the ring is open (as shown),while in other embodiments, the ring can be configured with its open enddown, such that a closed elastomeric surface presents itself to tissueand tooth surfaces.

Referring back now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, sinuous wall elements24 can have amplitude of from about 0.005 inch to about 0.030 inch, suchas between about 0.010 inch to about 0.020 inch. In someimplementations, the peak-to-peak distance may be from about 0.010 inchto about 0.075 inch, such as between about 0.015 inch and about 0.060inch. For example, the wall element can be formed of an elastomer thathas a hardness of between about 10 Shore A and about 80 Shore A, such asbetween about 20 and about 60 Shore A.

Referring back now to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, elastomeric texturedfin element 30 can have a rectangular cross-section, e.g., with a 3/1aspect ratio. For example, the smaller dimension can be 0.030 inch orless. For example, the center-to-center spacing between wedge shapedelements can be between about 0.010 inch and about 0.075 inch, while amaximum depth between wedged shaped elements can be, e.g., between about0.010 inch and about 0.075 inch. For example, the hardness of thematerial used to form the element can be between about 50 Shore A andabout 95 Shore A.

The elastomeric elements described herein can be formed using a varietyof techniques. For example, the elements can be extruded, injectionmolded and or cast. Extrusion can be advantageous in some embodimentsbecause of its high speed and because it can impart molecularorientation to the element, which can enhance wear resistance. On theother hand, injection molding can be advantageous in other embodimentsbecause of its versatility to provide many different shapes andconfigurations.

The elastomeric elements described herein can be assembled into theimplements using a variety of techniques. For example, they can beovermolded onto a substrate, such as a base, or they can be assembled byusing an adhesive or solvent bonding. The elements can also be formedsuch that they can be press-fit into a platform. Overmolding can beadvantageous in some implementations because of its high speed andgeneral applicability to large scale manufacturing processes.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, groups of elements can extend froma base, which can be bonded, e.g., by using an adhesive or a solvent, toa complementary head portion to form a flat upper surface 14′. As can beseen from FIG. 6B, elements can be formed so that they can be press fitinto a complementary portion 59 of the brush head. Such as press fit canoptionally be made permanent by applying an adhesive. These types oftechniques can be advantageously utilized to rapidly make prototypesthat can be tested in the laboratory and with consumers.

Many other brush head configurations and/or elastomeric elements arepossible.

For example, FIG. 7 shows an alternative brush head 70 that includesfive different shaped elastomeric elements 72, 74, 76, 78 and 80. Muchlike the brush head of FIG. 1A, brush head 70 includes an inner fieldthat includes elongated projections that have a circular transversecross-section, which are surrounded by annular ring 74. Also, much likethe head shown in FIG. 1A, the outer field includes elongatedprojections 76 that are triangular in shape, sinuous curtain or wallelements 78, and textured fin elements 80. Relative to the head of FIG.1A, the head of FIG. 7 includes more curtain elements and (12 versus 8)and fewer textured fin elements (8 versus 12).

FIG. 8 shows another alternative brush head 80 that includes fivedifferent shaped elastomeric elements 92, 94, 96, 98 and 100. Much likethe brush heads of FIGS. 1A and 7, brush head 90 includes an inner fieldthat includes elongated projections that have a circular transversecross-section, which are surrounded by annular ring 94. Also, much likethe heads shown in FIGS. 1A and 7, the outer field includes elongatedprojections 96 that are triangular in shape, sinuous curtain or wallelements 98, and textured fin elements 100. Relative to the head of FIG.1A, the head of FIG. 8 includes more curtain elements and (12 versus 8)and fewer elongated projections that are triangular in cross-section (26versus 44).

FIGS. 9 and 10 show several alternative elastomeric elements, whileFIGS. 11 and 12 show head embodiments that include the elements of FIGS.9 and 10. In particular, FIG. 9 shows an elastomeric prophy cup element102 that has an open end 104 configured to accept a tooth for cleaningand polishing. Element 102 includes a number of cleaning features 104and 106 and also a number of edges. FIG. 10 shows an elastomericpivoting textured fin element 110 that includes a body portion 112 thatextends and tapers from a base portion 114 to a thin terminal end 116.The body portion carries a textured element 118 that includes aplurality of textures ridges 120. The base portion 114 is connected to asnap 122 that allows the element to be fixed to a oral hygieneimplement, such as a toothbrush. Rocking or pivoting turfs and elementsare described in Braun et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,993,804 and 6,553,604,and Chenvainu, Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0060822, thedisclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety. FIG. 11 shows a power refill 130 that incorporates theprophy element 104 of FIG. 9 and the pivoting element 110 of FIG. 10,along with elastomeric curtain elements 132 and elastomeric rod elements134. FIG. 12 shows a brush head 140 that incorporates the prophy element104 of FIG. 9 and the rocking element of FIG. 10, along with rodelements 134, elastomeric projections 141 that have radiused triangularcross-sections, and elastomeric curtain or wall elements 142.

Any of the elements described herein can be slit to create a number ofindependent elements along with a number of “sharp” edges. Referring nowto FIG. 13, a sinuous curtain can be slit along the lines shown toproduce an elastomeric slit curtain element 152 that includes sixindependent elements 154, 155, 156, 156, 158 and 160. FIG. 14 shows abrush head 170 with such a spit curtain.

Referring now to FIG. 15, another type of elastomeric element that canbe utilized is a tubular fin element 172. The element includes a hollowinterior 174, a tubular body 176 and a fin 180 extending from andtapering from a closed top surface 182 of the tubular body to a thinnedterminal end 184.

Referring now to FIG. 16, yet another type of elastomeric element thatcan be utilized is a tree type element 190 that includes a central shaft192 and a plurality of projections 194 extending outwardly from theshaft. In the embodiment shown, a long axis of each projection isgenerally perpendicular to a long axis of the shaft. In otherembodiments, the long axis of one or more projections makes an anglewith respect to the long axis of the shaft that other than 90 degrees.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure.

For example, any oral hygiene implement can include hollow elastomerictubular structures, e.g., that are open on an end. For example, thetubular structures can have a circular in transverse cross-section. Forexample, the hollow tubular structures can have a wall thickness ofabout 0.005 inch to about 0.020 inch, e.g., 0.008 inch to about 0.015inch. Material hardness of the tubes can be, e.g., from about 30 Shore Ato about 85 Shore A, e.g., from about 40 Shore A to about 80 Shore A.

While embodiments have been described that are in the form of a powertoothbrush, other forms are possible for the oral hygiene implements.For example, the implements can be in the form of a manual toothbrush.

While embodiments have been described that include only elastomericelements, embodiments are possible that include bristles, such as thoseformed of a nylon, e.g., nylon 6,12 or polyester, in addition to theelastomeric bristles.

While embodiments have been described in which the elements are formedof a single material throughout its cross-section, in some embodiments,the elements are formed of more than a single material, e.g., two,three, or even four different materials, e.g., that are arranged indiscrete portions, such as layers of the element. For example, a centralportion of an element can be formed of a first material having a firsthardness and an outer portion of the element, such as one that contactsoral tissues and/or teeth, can be formed of a second material having asecond hardness, that is more or less than the first hardness. Animplementation in which a softer material 210 surrounds a hardermaterial 212 is shown in FIG. 17. For example, the first material canhave a hardness of about 75 Shore A, while the second material can havea hardness of about 30 Shore A.

Some of the elements can have a different coefficient of friction, asmeasured when wet with human saliva using an atomic force microscope.For example, some of the elements can be formed of an elastomer that hasa relatively high coefficient of friction when wet, e.g., 0.5 to about0.9, while others can have a relatively low coefficient of friction,e.g., 0.05 to about 0.3. High coefficients of friction can be obtained,e.g., by adding a rosin to an elastomer from which an element is formed,and low coefficients of friction can be obtained, e.g., by adding an oilto an elastomer from which the element is formed. Low coefficients canbe advantageous for slipping between teeth, while high coefficients offriction can be advantageous for scrubbing the teeth.

Still other embodiments are within the scope of the following claimsappended claims.

1. An oral hygiene implement comprising: a head portion sized forinsertion into a human mouth, the head portion comprising: a base; and aplurality of elastomeric elements extending from the base, eachelastomeric element defining one or more edges, wherein a total numberof edges defined by the plurality of elastomeric elements having a tipradius of less than about 0.006 inch is greater than about
 250. 2. Theimplement of claim 1, wherein the total number of edges is greater thanabout
 300. 3. The implement of claim 1, wherein the one or more edgesare substantially exposed, having an intra- and/or inter-element spacingto its nearest neighbor of about 0.010 inch or more.
 4. The implement ofclaim 1, wherein one or more elastomeric elements have a long axisrunning in a direction of extension, and wherein the edges are definedalong the direction of extension.
 5. The implement of claim 1, whereinone or more elastomeric elements have a long axis running in a directionof extension, and wherein the edges are defined in a directionperpendicular to extension.
 6. The implement of claim 1, wherein theplurality of elastomeric elements comprise a first elastomeric elementcomprising a first elastomeric material and a second elastomeric elementcomprising a second elastomeric material.
 7. The implement of claim 6,wherein the plurality of elastomeric elements further comprise a thirdelastomeric element comprising a third elastomeric material.
 8. Theimplement of claim 7, wherein the plurality of elastomeric elementsfurther comprise a fourth elastomeric element comprising a fourthelastomeric material.
 9. The implement of claim 8, wherein the pluralityof elastomeric elements further comprise a fifth elastomeric elementcomprising a fifth elastomeric material.
 10. The implement of claim 9,wherein the plurality of elastomeric elements further comprise a sixthelastomeric element comprising a sixth elastomeric material.
 11. Theimplement claim 10, wherein one or more of the first, second, third,fourth, fifth or sixth elements has a Shore A hardness of about 8 ShoreA to about 95 Shore A.
 12. The implement of claim 11, wherein the ShoreA hardness is from about 35 Shore A to about 92 Shore A.
 13. Theimplement of claim 10, wherein one or more of the first, second, third,fourth, fifth or sixth elements comprises a thermoplastic or acrosslinked material, and wherein the thermoplastic material is selectedfrom the group consisting of a styrenic block copolymer, a thermoplasticpolyurethane, a silicone, a polyether amide, a polyether polyester, andmixtures thereof.
 14. The implement of claim 10, wherein one or more ofthe first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth elements comprises afiller, and wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting ofoil, abrasives, tackifiers, plasticizers, and mixtures thereof.
 15. Theimplement of claim 10, wherein one or more of the first, second, third,fourth, fifth or sixth elements has a first maximum transversecross-sectional thickness of between about 0.003 inch and about 0.250inch.
 16. The implement of claim 10, wherein one or more of the first,second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth elements is of a form selectedfrom the group consisting of rings, projections, ladders, cups, fins,and curtains.
 17. The implement of claim 10, wherein one or more of thefirst, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth elements has a transversecross-section, taken perpendicular to a direction of extension, that iscircular, triangular, rectangular, square or sinusoidal in form.
 18. Theimplement of claim 10, wherein each head portion includes more than asingle first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth element.
 19. Theimplement of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises one or morebristles, such as bristles arranged in one or more turfs, extending fromthe base.
 20. The implement of claim 1, wherein the head portion and/orbase portion is configured to be vibrated and/or oscillated, such as byan electrically driven motor in communication with the head portionand/or base portion.
 21. The implement of claim 1, wherein the implementis in the form of a manual toothbrush.
 22. An oral hygiene implementcomprising: a head portion sized for insertion into a human mouth, thehead portion comprising: a base; and a plurality of elastomeric elementsextending from the base defining a field of elastomeric elements,wherein the field comprises a first elastomeric element comprising afirst elastomeric material and a second elastomeric element differentthan the first elastomeric element and comprising a second elastomericmaterial.
 23. The implement of claim 22, wherein the first and secondelastomeric elements differ in shape.
 24. The implement of claim 22,wherein the first and second elastomeric materials are different. 25.The implement of claim 22, wherein each elastomeric element defines oneor more edges, and wherein a total number of edges defined by theplurality of elastomeric elements having a tip radius of less than about0.006 inch is greater than about
 250. 26. The implement of claim 25,wherein the total number of edges is greater than about
 300. 27. Theimplement of claim 22, wherein the field further comprises a thirdelastomeric element comprising a third elastomeric material, such as onethat is different from the first and second elastomeric material. 28.The implement of claim 27, wherein the field further comprises a fourthelastomeric element comprising a fourth elastomeric material.
 29. Theimplement of claim 28, wherein the field further comprises a fifthelastomeric element comprising a fifth elastomeric material.
 30. Theimplement of claim 29, wherein the field further comprises a sixthelastomeric element comprising a sixth elastomeric material.
 31. Theimplement of claim 30, wherein one or more of the first, second, third,fourth, fifth or sixth elements has a Shore A hardness of about 6 ShoreA to about 95 Shore A.
 32. The implement of claim 31, wherein the ShoreA hardness is from about 35 Shore A to about 92 Shore A.
 33. Theimplement of claim 30, wherein one or more of the first, second, third,fourth, fifth or sixth elements comprises a thermoplastic or crosslinkedmaterial, and wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from thegroup consisting of a styrenic block copolymer, a thermoplasticpolyurethane, a silicone, a polyether amide, a polyether polyester, andmixtures thereof.
 34. The implement of claim 30, wherein one or more ofthe first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth elements comprises afiller, and wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting ofoil, abrasives, tackifiers, plasticizers, and mixtures thereof.
 35. Theimplement of claim 30, wherein one or more of the first, second, third,fourth, fifth or sixth elements has a maximum transverse cross-sectionalthickness of between about 0.003 inch and about 0.250 inch.
 36. Theimplement of claim 30, wherein one or more of the first, second, third,fourth, fifth or sixth elements is in the form selected from the groupconsisting of rings, projections, ladders, cups, fins, and curtains. 37.The implement of claim 30, wherein each brush portion includes more thana single first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth element.
 38. Theimplement of claim 22, wherein the field further comprises one or morebristles, such as bristles arranged in one or more turfs, extending fromthe base.
 39. The implement of claim 22, wherein the head portion and/orbase portion is configured to be vibrated and/or oscillated, such as byan electrically driven motor in communication with the head portionand/or base portion.
 40. The implement of claim 22, wherein theimplement is in the form of a manual toothbrush.
 41. An oral hygieneimplement comprising: a head portion sized for insertion into a humanmouth, the head portion comprising: a base; and a plurality ofelastomeric elements extending from the base defining a field ofelastomeric elements, wherein the field comprises a first elastomericelement comprising a first elastomeric material and a second elastomericmaterial surrounding the first elastomeric material.
 42. The implementof claim 41, wherein the second elastomeric material completelysurrounds the first elastomeric material.
 43. The implement of claim 41,wherein the second elastomeric material surrounds a terminal end of thefirst elastomeric material.
 44. The implement of claim 41, wherein thefirst elastomeric material has a Shore A hardness greater than thesecond elastomeric material.
 45. An oral hygiene implement comprising: ahead portion sized for insertion into a human mouth, the head portioncomprising: a base; and a plurality of elastomeric elements extendingfrom the base defining a field of elastomeric elements, wherein thefield comprises a first elastomeric element comprising a firstelastomeric material and a second elastomeric element comprising asecond elastomeric material, and wherein the first elastomeric elementhas a first coefficient of friction and the second elastomeric elementhas a second coefficient of friction different than the firstcoefficient of friction.